The **Southern Right Whale Research Program**, developed by the **Whale Conservation Institute** (WCI), received recognition from the Legislature of Chubut and the Municipality of Puerto Pirámides, as they awarded it a **distinction** and declared it of **scientific, educational, environmental, social, and cultural interest for its main initiatives**. These distinctions highlight the impact of the sustained work for over five decades for the protection of marine biodiversity ([source](https://noticiasambientales.com/ciencia/luminosa-asi-es-la-ballena-franca-que-se-ve-debajo-del-mar/)).
In 2024, the Municipality of Puerto Pirámides (DECLARATION N° 22/24 C.D.P.P.) and the Legislature of Chubut (RESOLUTION N° 363/24-HL) highlighted the **strategic interest** of the **Southern Right Whale Research Program** and its associated scientific projects, the **Educational Program “Bringing Whales to Your School”**, and the **Health Monitoring Program of the Southern Right Whale**.
These programs provided **key scientific data on the ecology and conservation status** of the southern right whale, an emblematic species of the Valdés Peninsula and the Argentine Sea. The information collected by the institution since the 1970s is essential for the development of local and international management plans and for environmental education and responsible tourism initiatives.
In fact, the Research Program, initiated by Dr. Roger Payne and continued for over 30 years by the WCI team, had the support of the Puerto Pirámides community, companies, the Argentine Navy, and local and national authorities. Several **photo-identification and biological monitoring studies** were carried out from the historic “Campamento 39” in the San José Gulf, contributing to global decisions for the conservation of one of the country’s most emblematic species.
## A key agreement to strengthen the conservation of the Southern Right Whale
The advances of the Southern Right Whale Research Program led to the signing of a **Framework Agreement for Cooperation, Technical Assistance, and Complementation** between the WCI and the Ministry of Tourism and Protected Areas of Chubut. This agreement, signed by Minister Diego Lapenna and WCI President Diego Taboada, formalizes the existing collaboration and opens **new opportunities to protect whales and biodiversity** in **Protected Natural Areas** (PNAs).
In fact, the agreement will allow for coordinated actions based on 54 years of research, balancing productive development with the conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity. In this sense, Diego Taboada emphasized the importance of these recognitions, reflecting **the province’s commitment to biodiversity preservation**.
Indeed, the recovery of the southern right whales **could be seen as a hopeful message, but also as a reminder of pending challenges**. Collaboration with the community and authorities would be key to intensify efforts against the **global environmental crisis**. This joint commitment ensures that future generations can enjoy and protect the natural wealth of Chubut and the Argentine Sea.
## What is the status of the Southern Right Whale?
The Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) is **an emblematic species of Argentine Patagonia**. Around 600 individuals of this species arrive on the southern coasts of the country between June and November each year to reproduce, give birth, and care for their calves.
Thanks to the efforts of various environmental organizations, **these whales were able to recover from the severe population decline**, as they were on the brink of extinction. Before the hunting that affected this species, there were an estimated 100,000 individuals, of which currently only about 7,000 remain.
Among the efforts for the good conservation status of whales in Argentina is the **protection in the country’s territorial waters and worldwide** by the International Whaling Commission and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as **their designation as a Natural Monument** in 1984. These measures bore fruit by achieving a 7% annual population growth.
Source: ballenas.gob.ar
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